This March we honor our talented social workers. We hope you will enjoy reading these profiles as much as we enjoyed creating them. Remember, there are hundreds of other social workers who weren’t highlighted here, so make sure to celebrate the ones that you know on social media using #SDPThankASocialWorker!
Fatima BakayokoWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I became a social worker so that I can help people unlock their fullest potential and use their tools already within them to become the best versions of themselves. Because of my lived experience, I have always been passionate about providing safe spaces for individual experiences to be heard, validated, and supported.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I’ve always enjoyed working with children and families so I was naturally drawn to school social work. For most of my academic career, I was a student in SDP so I wanted to be able to give back to individuals in a relatable way.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
The best part about being a social worker is our unique skill set. We are specially equipped to help individuals across all backgrounds, throughout the life span, and different settings. Because of our transferrable skills and strength-based approaches, we set ourself aside from other helping professions.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
Social workers focus on the WHOLE person. We understand that the different puzzle pieces in individual’s lives come together to make the full picture. When 1 part of that puzzle needs attention, it impacts the whole puzzle. We work to help students access the supports unique to their needs and bridge the gap between all the puzzle pieces.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
Social work is an active profession. We are constantly brainstorming, advocating, assessing, supporting, engaging, etc., to promote the rights and well-being of everyone in society. Our approaches are NEVER “one size fits all” because we understand and respect the value of individuals and their unique perspective.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
In my school community, I lead our “Character Trait of the Month” initiative. This is connected to how teachers choose their student of the month. Each month, I chose a positive trait to teach students about. Students learn what it means and how to demonstrate it. To reinforce this, I also provide teachers with resources and activities to share in their community meetings. For students who do a stellar job of embodying the trait, they get awarded as our student of the month.
Rachel HurleyWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
Social work found me.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
Back in 2017, I heard of a new initiative between community partners and the school district. After doing my research, discovered that this program was in fact my dream job so I applied and the rest is history.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
Every single day my job is different and I get to make a real impact on the lives of the students and families in my community.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
By building and modeling healthy relationships, providing a safe space for students/families to be heard, and most importantly, reminding students to use their strengths to become the best, most authentic versions of themselves.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
The profession of social work is vast and endless with possibilities. One moment you can be providing direct service, the next fighting against social injustice. There is something for everyone, especially if you’re calling is to help others.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
STEP has integrated itself into all facets of our school culture. We host and run parent workshops to facilitating restorative circles in our older grades.
Michelle LallyWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
After teaching high school Spanish for five years, I felt called to support students’ growth, healing and empowerment outside of the classroom.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I went back to school to become a social worker at SDP. Philadelphia is my home. I believe in the strength of community. I believe in the power of public education. Our students are this city’s future.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
The best part of being a social worker is the community of social workers with whom I get to work alongside and fight for justice. As Ms. Keller said, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
Social workers improve the lives of their students by making sure they feel fully seen and understood. We see students as whole humans, first and foremost. From there we encourage students to recognize and tap into the power within themselves to heal and make the changes they want to see.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
Social workers are responsible for advocating social and political action for social justice. The work extends beyond the office and classroom!
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
I am lucky and blessed to get to work on a team of three licensed social workers at Edison High School. Together we have supported dozens of students in one-on-one therapy, provided group therapy for grief, created a Calm Room to support students’ practicing the skills of emotional regulation, and co-led a young women’s empowerment group. We are fortunate to support such wonderful and resilient students at Edison High School!
Maureen McTamaneyWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I became a Social Worker because helping children and families navigate adversity and overcome hardships is essential for building a better world.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I learned about the launch of the STEP Program in 2018. I was intrigued and excited for the opportunity to work with children and families as a fully integrated member of the school.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
I have had the privilege to witness the remarkable strength and resiliency shown by our precious children and their families-especially in times of crisis. I have been able to walk beside them as they make strides towards becoming their best selves.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
I often describe Social Workers as “Problem Solvers”. Social Workers in schools work to address and improve ALL areas of a student’s life to help them reach their full potential in their school, home, and community.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
Social Workers are a force to be reckoned with. Especially when it comes to advocating for children and families.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
I have had the opportunity to help launch and now coordinate our K-5 school’s PBIS program with an incredible team of people. Over time and despite the program launching virtually in its first year, our team has helped cultivate a school community that encourages kindness, responsibility, and safety for all. As a Social Worker, I have also strived to incorporate trauma informed and restorative practices within our school and PBIS framework. Finally, it has brought me great joy and enormous pride to launch our Peer Mediation Leadership Program this year and watch our children become peaceful problem solvers in the community.
Ehren Remal, LCSWWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
Everyone deserves to be seen as the whole of who they are. I try to bring this to my work every day. There is something transformative about being heard in your experience that led me to become a clinical social worker.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I found social work by starting with a restorative justice path through theatre education in the youth court system in Western Massachusetts. This was a life changing experience and I wanted to focus my life to working with young folks to support them in their own goals and connecting to the best versions of themselves.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
Having the privilege of bearing witness to young folks lives and growth.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
We are advocates, often being the voice of the students in places they don’t always have access to. We are listening ears and a nonjudgemental presence for young people trying their hardest everyday to figure our what being a human is and can be.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
Social workers have a sorted history and it makes sense that their is some hesitance in connecting sometimes. We are here to walk with you and support everyone in achieving their goals. It can be difficult feeling alone in our experiences. We are here to walk with you.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
I am the sponsor of a student led Mental Health Attention Initiative (phila_mha on instagram). I have worked with students to create annual Tier 1 SEL skills day for a school of almost 1200 students. Also, every Fall and Spring, I work to host community partners focused on reinforcing or introducing Mental health resources from all over Philly and reducing stigma.